LONG PRESTON HERITAGE GROUP

 

CONSTITUTION

1.     NAME

The Name of the Group shall be the Long Preston Heritage Group

2.       OBJECTIVES

The Group is established for the public benefit in the area of the former historic
Parish of Long Preston to:

 

1. Stimulate public interest in and care for the beauty, history and character of the area, and

2. Encourage the preservation, protection, development and improvement of features
    of historic or public interest.

 

In furtherance of these objectives the Group may:

1. Hold meetings, lectures and temporary and/or permanent exhibitions.

2. Publish papers, reports and other literature.

3. Acquire the intellectual property rights for all publications produced by the Group.

4. Promote research into subjects directly connected with the objectives of the Group.

5. Make information available to all interested persons.

6. Employ and remunerate any person or persons not being members of the Committee
    to supervise, organise and carry out work for the Group.

7. Agree the expenditure of the history element of the HLF grant in liaison with St Mary’s PCC.

8. Raise funds and invite and receive contributions from any person or persons whatsoever
    by way of subscription, donation and otherwise,

9.  Acquire, lease or rent any property.

10. Archive and care for any materials, documents and artefacts entrusted to the Group.

11. Do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the attainment of the said objectives.

 

3. MEMBERSHIP

Membership shall be open to all who are interested in furthering the objectives of the Group.  Full membership is available to residents of Long Preston Parish. Non-residents will be eligible for associate membership, which will not carry voting rights.

Visitors may attend organised events; a fee may be charged.

 

4. MEETINGS

An Annual General Meeting shall be held in or about October of each year to receive the Committee’s report and audited accounts, to elect Officers and Members of the Committee, to appoint 1 or more auditors and to transact such other business as may from time to time be necessary. A quorum shall consist of 25% of the membership entitled to vote.  Proxy voting will be allowed by written request to the Secretary.

Membership fees will be determined at the AGM.

 

5. HONORARY OFFICERS

The Officers shall consist of Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer all of whom shall be ex-officio members of the Committee. All Officers shall hold office in an honorary capacity and shall relinquish their office at the Annual General Meeting next after their election but shall be eligible for re-election.

 

6. THE COMMITTEE

The Committee shall be responsible for the management and administration of the Group. The Committee shall consist of the Officers and 6 other members. Election to the Committee shall normally be for 3 years. Committee members are eligible for re-election. The quorum for a Committee Meeting shall be 5 members. The Committee may co-opt other members and reserves the right to appoint honorary officers as and when necessary to serve until the next AGM.

 

7. AMENDMENTS

This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting at an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting, provided that 28 days notice in writing of the proposed amendment has been given to all members. A quorum shall consist of 25% of the membership entitled to vote.  Proxy voting will be allowed by written request to the Secretary.

 

8. WINDING UP

The Group may be dissolved by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting at an Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting and confirmed by a simple majority of members present. A quorum shall consist of 25% of the membership entitled to vote.  Proxy voting will be allowed by written request to the Secretary.

In the event of the Group ceasing to operate, the members present at the AGM shall have the power to dispose of artefacts belonging to the Group to a local museum or charitable organisation of similar standing and any funds belonging to the Group to a local charitable organisation within Long Preston Parish.

 

20 October  2008